THE Valke Rugby Union has been going strong for 70 years on the trot and celebrated this milestone on Friday, March 24.
March 24 also marked the 70th year of existence, as the official date that the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and previously the South African Rugby Federation Union (SARFU), passed Eastern Transvaal as one of its official unions in 1947.
Guests for this event were hand-picked and consisted of former and current CEOs, union presidents, referees, coaches, and players who have left their mark, making a difference in the union’s past and present’s success.
70th Birthday Celebrations: The Valke celebrated their 70th birthday by inviting former players/officials. Some of them are: Sala Edwards, Piet Brand, Chris Jordan Vivian Lottering, Rudy Joubert, Rautie Rautenbach, Jurie Coetzee, Harry Nieuwenhuis
The event was held at Springs Rugby Club to commemorate the fact that Eastern Transvaal’s, today the Valke, first home-ground was in Springs.
ETRU initially consisted out of clubs from Springs, Brakpan, Nigel and Benoni. These clubs were part of Far East Rand, a sub union of Transvaal Rugby Football which is now the Golden Lions Rugby Union, before breaking away to form their own union.
This function served as the first of many celebrations and reunions to come. Later in the course of the year, more specific reunions/celebrations will be organised to help groups within the union reconnect and celebrate this remarkable milestone.
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